Ellis Genge has always been one to say what he thinks. From describing England's critics as 'sausages' on live television, to jokes on social networks with former England captain Will Carling, Lavehead's accessory tells him how he is.
Today is no different. “I would probably be in the Nick if it weren't for rugby,” he says frankly.
The 30 -year -old, an unconditional of the pack of England, has previously spoken about his minor youth crimes (arrests free of It seems, it became the maximum Savior.
When growing in the state school system among football supporters and with a father who played the 'beautiful game', rugby was not a predominant sport in the family. Nor was it one who was played by his companions.
'My dad used to take me to Bristol Rovers and, casually at that time, Bristol Rugby played at the Rovers Stadium. So it was always around him, in a certain sense, but mine was not a direct route to rugby.
'All my teammates played football. Even when I played for England, some of them did not know that it was my full -time work, which is quite comical. It was simply not a great part of his life. Some of them would come to see me, come to the stadium and see how big are the events, and finally they did their heads.
Ellis Genge says that his route to the top of the international rugby was anything but simple
Genge crosses his attempt at Murrayfield in 2020 … The last time England beat Scotland
Scotland celebrates its fourth successive triumph of the Calcuta Cup after last year's victory 30-21
Now a respected and talented striker, Genge is very far from the world he grew up. His previous life, he admits, was not “sustainable” and considers that he would probably have ended up following a difficult route.
Emotionally, however, there will always be a link with its roots. The attraction of family life has once again taken the city in which it grew.
It is an important part of your DNA and a key part of your makeup. It is also the reason why he constantly returns, supporting other young people, like him, who need guidance and help with their future ambitions.
Recently, its Genge Fund raised £ 22,000 for juvenile beneficial organizations in Bristol in an attempt to provide young people with opportunities that could never be granted otherwise.
Somehow, this makes it the perfect vicecapitan. A leader, a mentor, a friendly voice for those who fight to find their value.
In recent games, Genge has continued impressing, but it will be Saturday's game with Scotland on Twickenham, maybe, where his team will really hope to show his value. Particularly after a four -year loser race against Gregor Towsend's men.
For Genge, there is an additional element. After all, the winning attempt scored the last time England defeated the Scots. At that time, in 2020, he had appeared as a replacement and crossed the 10 minutes of time to help England recover the Calcuta Cup.
Genge admits that he has dinner at that time for many years since then. Little scum, however? Not on your agenda.
Genge admits that he has dinner at his winning attempt at the Calcuta Cup of 70 minutes of 2020
Genge draws the best of Matt Fagerson to score in the 23-29 defeat of England against the Scots in 2023
“I am sure that you are not trying to get a headline,” he laughs, while asking him about England's possibilities to “restore balance.”
'Look, you (Scotland) have done us a job in recent years, we like to win every game, so I will not sit here and say that it would not be brilliant to recover it. There is a lot of history between that attempt and that accessory, so we will be biting.
'Upon entering these six nations, I saw a lot of rugby, I did not see all the games of Scotland, but, for what I know about them, recently, they are brave. They are definitely that. They are passionate. I love playing against them, it's always a great battle.
That passion is not lost in the striker, who knows very well about the dangers of underestimating Towsend's side.
There is also a link to Scotland with a family bond through previous generations.
“In fact, I have a little Scottish in my family,” he says.
'My Nan's father was Scottish. I am not sure exactly what part of the country it was. He died before I came. It was my great -grandfather.
“I could not have played for Scotland with the current selection criteria,” he smiles, “but maybe in a technical.”
Genge faces Paul Boudehent de France in England's exciting victory earlier this month
If there is a feeling of anticipation in your voice before Saturday's confrontation, it is very justified.
Just out of a close 26-25 victory over France, England now enters the Scotland party as favorites. His performance by Antoine Dupont and co symbolized more than a simple victory.
He talked about his ability, finally, to see games to a positive conclusion, after disappointing results in autumn tests against New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.
The fact that they handled four attempts, including a murderous blow of Elliot Daly in the 79th minute, is testimony of talent inside the young side of Steve Borthwick. How they take advantage of that, and they maintain their precision, it is what matters now.
“When I enter that squad now, I am probably one of the oldest people,” says Genge, “I have been described as the father figure. I guess I enjoy being that lighthouse for the boys.
'If they need anything to talk about, they can come to my room, chat with me. I have passed through peaks and channels. And I know that when you are not playing, it's difficult.
“I have probably been able to close the gap between the player and the coach, something that was missing when he was for the first time in the environment when he was younger.”
'The boys need it sometimes. Your head is gone and you feel that the walls are approaching, you are in the camp, you cannot escape it. We need to understand that from the human point of view, we are not machines. Sometimes we believe we are, but we are not. We need to show empathy.
Genge roars with delight after an attempt by Leicester during his spell full of success in Welford Road
Humanity, and a deep sense of compassion, are clearly of vital importance for Genge, which accredits the former Edinburgh coach, Richard Cockerill, improving his rugby and helping to turn him into the player he is today.
“Cockers enrolled me for Leicester,” says Genge. 'It was a legend, a brilliant man. It is probably suitable for your role with Georgia now.
'He is a very good coach and manager of Man. I think he will probably explore another club route someday, but, at this time, he really enjoys having some unpleasant great georgians at his disposal.
Genge would play for Leicester more than 100 times, before returning to Bristol Bears. His impact on Welford Road was huge.
He says: 'I went to Leicester, a club that is known for producing the best five strikers in the world. It was obvious to me.
'I received offers from other clubs for more money, but they advised me to go to Leicester.
“They told me that I would not play so much, it would not be a headline, I would probably be in the bank, but through the caliber of people in the club, I would learn much more. And I definitely did.
“I pressed the nuts and screws of my game and added another rope to my arch, like how to move the ball a little better, completely the opposite of what I had been doing during the previous six years.”
Genge has completed the circle and now raises his trade with the Bristol Bears hometown club
In 2022, Genge, as Captain, led Leicester to the Premier League title, a moment that describes as the most “satisfactory” of his career so far.
“We had a great resurgence,” he explains. 'It was a story of rags of wealth, really. I am a great believer in the good things that happen to good people, and if you put at work, harvest the rewards.
'The good karma is what we embody that year. Put the job, stay silent, look for our business and get a trophy at the end.
'My daughter uses my medal for that season. He is in his little dressing table. She calls her “necklace.” I let it enjoy using it.